Non-Rescue Cats and Dogs To Be Banned In Pet Stores In California

It will soon be illegal for pet stores in California to sell cats, dogs and rabbits unless they work alongside shelters and rescue groups to supply the animals. Less support for fucking diabolical ‘puppy farms’, in other words, and more for the adoption of homeless strays. Very good news indeed.

The rollout of the law augurs a hardened stance against the unethical treatment, conditions and breeding practices that so often go hand in glove with the pet shop industry. As of January 2019, any pet store owners selling non-rescue cats, dogs or rabbits face a $500 USD fine.

“We are overjoyed with the Governor’s signature and broad support from the entire animal-loving community for this groundbreaking legislation,” said Judie Mancuso, founder and CEO of animal welfare group Social Compassion in Legislation. “In banning the sale of mill-bred animals, California took a bold step forward. The deplorable conditions that animals suffer in these high-volume breeding facilities are not a secret and now they have a champion in California.”

Image: Daily Mail

So in case you weren’t aware, those super cute puppers and kittens you see in pet stores are often supplied by breeding facilities with super fucked up conditions. By banning the sale of non-rescue animals, this law aims to sever the cash-flow to those hellholes whilst prompting prospective pet-buyers to look at adopting from a shelter instead.

Around 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanised every year, according to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). That number has declined over the past five years, partially due to “an increase in the percentage of animals adopted and an increase in the number of stray animals successfully returned to their owners.” So yeah, rescue animals are a pretty great idea overall.

It’s important to note, however, that the law will not prevent breeders from selling directly to customers. Anyone wanting to buy from a breeder will still be able to do so – just not through a pet store.

California is the first American state to introduce a law like this. Hopefully it’ll trigger a domino effect that makes its way Down Under.

Until that happens, though, it might be best to give your local Pets Paradise the flick.
_________